Rugby League

Parramatta Eels

Fifita and Radradra caught by a puritanical system

Don't prejudge: Semi Radradra deserves to tour unless he is found guilty of a criminal offence.

A century ago, Australian sporting teams left players out of tours to England because they were not the right type of chap. They might be a risk of passing the port the wrong way, blowing their noses too loudly, or otherwise embarrassing the colonials in front of their hosts. Or they might be Irish Catholics. Or they might not "fit in". No official explanation was given, thanks to the convenient cloak of selection-room confidentiality, but everyone heard the rumours and held a theory. Lines in the sand were drawn about off-field behaviour. Omissions were never purely on the basis of form or ability. You were either in or out of the clique.

New CEO sees 'huge upside' for Eels

New Eels CEO: Bernie Gurr.

Incoming Parramatta CEO Bernie Gurr has no qualms about overseeing the rebuild of Parramatta on a fraction of their current budget, believing the Eels are finally positioned to fulfil their undoubted potential.